ABOUT THIS ALBUM

Album Notes

“A Wedding By The Lake” is a beautiful collection of new classical wedding ceremony music performed by the Four Voices String Quartet, with occasional added friends on harp and flute. The instrumentation is ideal for ceremonies celebrated by a lake, in a park, on the beach, in a hotel lobby, or in any other non-traditional setting. It is also equally appropriate for traditional church ceremonies.

Widely published composer R.J. Mitchell has performed at over a thousand weddings as a musician, church organist, band leader and mobile DJ. He knows weddings, and understands that couples want their wedding to be as unique as their love. "A Wedding By The Lake" offers fresh alternatives to standard musical ceremony selections, and is organized to maximize ease of use. Sheet music is available in many configurations for live performance as well.

"A Wedding By The Lake" begins with the attention-getting “As We Gather," followed by “A Mother’s Love," music composed specifically for the seating of the mothers of the bride and groom. Next, the beautiful “Rose Petals," featuring harp and string quartet, ushers the bridal party in. This wonderful piece is sure to become a wedding classic!

And now for the fanfare! The opening few measures of “White Lace” will signal to the guests that it is time to stand as the beautiful bride enters, making her way to the love of her life. At the end of the ceremony, the bride and groom kiss as the exciting recessional “Jubilation" sends the newlyweds back down the aisle. The remainder of the seventeen tracks can be played as preludes to the ceremony, during the lighting of the unity candle, and as postludes during the receiving line. General directions can be found on the CD cover, with more information and wedding tips at the website: www.AWeddingByTheLake.com.

"A Wedding By The Lake" is not just for weddings, however. It can be enjoyed during a dinner or cocktail party, or any time for pure listening pleasure. You will appreciate the beauty and complexities of the melodies and arrangements. R.J. studied classical piano and musical composition, but is also an experienced rock guitarist. His wide variety of musical experiences have all combined to create a magical musical masterpiece you are sure to love.

Pachelbel’s “Canon” is a lovely piece however its overuse has started to degrade its appeal as a bridalentrance song. Additionally there have been numerous spoofs of Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March” that many couples may decide against choosing this for their recessional. For those blissful couples planning their special matrimonial day and wanting romantically traditional classical music, R.J. Mitchell has composed an all-in-one album A Wedding by the Lake. This collection can be used as is or as a starting point for music selection. The sheet music is available for purchase online if live musicians are desired and Mitchell also provides helpful wedding planning information on his website to help couples from getting overwhelmed.

Minnesota-based Four Voices String Quartet breathe life into Mitchell’s compositions starting with “As We Gather,” a stately welcoming Baroque piece that would be most appropriate as the last song of the prelude prior to the seating of the family during the wedding ceremony. The quartet blends nicely as musical recollections of Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” are conjured when the first violin plays brief shining melodic moments while the other strings accompany with block chords. +“A Mother’s Love” is more solemn and poignant. An extended version of this piece is available making this song fitting for not just the seating of the family but also for the receiving line afterwards.

While the bride’s entrance is the main anticipated event, the flower girl’s promenade is equally as enticing. What perfect fit for her adorable walk down the aisle than “Rose Petals.” Special guest Min Kim adds harp to this piece along with the string quartet in this lovely, hushed, pure song of serenity that also holds a sense of anticipation. Now all eyes turn to the back of the room as the bride slowly processes in to “White Lace.” It is bright and lively, exuding happiness and sweet purity. Once the couple is now pronounced husband and wife, hand in hand they joyfully recess to “Jubilation.”

As an accomplished musician himself, Mitchell has provided the musical backdrop for countless wedding ceremonies and receptions. He is extremely familiar with the order of events and the mood each should depict throughout this monumental day. In addition to writing music for the wedding ceremony itself he has also composed numerous incidental pieces.

“Candle” is a solemn tune that could be played while the couple is lighting the unity candle if they wish to include that segment in their ceremony. It could also be inserted as one of the prelude pieces prior to the entrance of the wedding party. Other prelude pieces might include the playful “Prelude to Romance” with the strings sashaying around this jovial melody or the lilting succinct “Cupid’s Fancy.”

Once the couple is married, the music does not stop. It is time for the reception which usually starts with a cocktail hour as a transition phase. The tender waltz “With This Ring” would fit this setting or as background dinner music. “Hopes and Dreams” is a more rolling waltz with a glint of showiness. While suitable for cocktail hour, it also sounds like a dance scene from Camelot or some other lighthearted medieval romance. Another tune with a hint at Hollywood glamour is the amorous “Altar of Love.”

Mitchell’s tunes encompass a variety of musical tastes and styles. The string quartet performs the mischievous syncopated “Danse D’Amour” with ease as well as plays the modulation from minor to major keys in “The Journey Ahead” flawlessly. This imploring, evocative song is one of the most interesting on the album as is “Something Old, Something New.” This modern flowing song features nice chord progressions reminiscent of Debussy’s “La Mer.” With an air of sophistication the strings magnanimously play the triple pianissimo ending beautifully.

For a classical sounding wedding that is not filled with overplayed classical favorites, look no further than A Wedding by the Lake. Or for the avid string quartet aficionado Mitchell’s music is sure to delight.

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